Occasional chairs, or as they there are sometimes called, exposed-wood chairs, are generally smaller than fully-upholstered chairs. Their frames are usually visible in a quality that is easy to discern even from a fair distance away. The usually have a solid feeling that results from the proper joining of frame parts, and they don't twist when you lift one corner.

So what type of furniture are we discussing here? Examples are coffee tables and end tables, traditional hickory rocking chairs, chests, ottomans and commodes. Items of home furniture that are not classed as occasional furniture include small round display tables, free-standing globes, such as globe wine racks, and curio cabinets which are generally classed as accent pieces.